Gas-generator.



J, B. HUDDLl GAS GENERATOR.

APPHCATION HED NOV' 9, 1914. 1,178,807. Puhinted Apr. 11, 1916.

5 SHEETS--Slihtll l. B. HUDDLE.

GAS GENERATOR.

APPucATloN man Nov. 9. |914.

1,178,807. Patented Apr. 11,1916.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

J'. B, HUDDLE.

GAS GENERATOR.

aPPLICATloN FILED Nov. 1.214.

1,178,807. Patented Apr. 11, 19H5.

f?, MAHI/M/K/ I. B. HUDDLEA GAS GENERATOR.

APPucAHoN FILED Nov4 19m.

Iaitvnl'ed Apr. 11', 1916.

HEETS-"SHEH 44 J. B. HUDDLE.

GAs'GENERATon.

K APPLICATION FILED N0V4 9. i914. n A, 1,178,807. Patented Apr. 11, 1916.

5SHEETS-SHEET 5.

UNTED STATES PATENT OFFCE.

JOHN B. HUDDLE, OF EAST ST. LOUIS, ILLINOIS.

GAS-GENERATOR.

Application filed November 9, 1914.

and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Gas-Generator, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to gas generators, ind more. particularly to generators for gen.- orating gas by the. mixture of a chemical with a liquid, such for instance, the generation of acetylene gas from water and calcium carbid.

An object of the invention is to ef'iuip gas generator of the class mentioned with improved mechanism for feeding the chemi-Y cal to the gas tank whereby the chemical received from a hopper is discharged in predetermined quantities into the tank.

Another object of the invention is to equip a gas generator of the class mentioned with an improved form of feeding meclninism1 in combination with an improved drivingmechanism therefor whereby the feeding mechanism may be driven at various predetermined speeds.

l Another object of the invention is to equip a gas generator of the class mentioned with improved feeding mechanism and means for driving the feeding mechanism, in combination with automatically controlled devices actuated primarily by the gas pressure for controlling the operation of the mcchanisi'n for driving the feeding mechanism. 35

Another object is to generally increase the efficiency and safety of gas generators ofthe class mentioned where-by a predetermined gas pressure may' be maintained in the gas tank to adapt the generator for use as an .element of an Oxy-acetylene welding plant and for an element in an illuminating plant or for other purposes, the amount of presvsure being optionally determined to meet the requirements of various uses.

Other objects and advantages that are attained from the. present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the ait to which this invention appertains, without specific mention as they will bcrcadily comprehended from the followingdetailed description of `a preferred embodiment of the invention taken in connection with' the ac- Spccificatou of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 11, 1916.

serial No, 870.976. I

companying drawings to which reference is made, and in which A l Figure l is a plan view of the assemblea elements of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an elevation showing the fparts in assembled relation. Fig. 3 is a view partially in section illustrating particularly the construction of the feeding mechanism illustratA ing this part of the invention in longitu` dinal section. Fig. 4 is a transverse section taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3. Fig. is a front eleva-tion of the same mechanism. Fig. G is an end elevation thereof. Fig. 7 is a sido view of the driving mechanism (portions being broken away to more fully disclose certain details of construction) associated with the devices for automatically controlling the operation of the driving mechanism. Fig. S is a view of the driving mechanism from the side opposite to that illustrated in Fig. 7 with the side plate removed to more fully disclose the construction of thc device. Fig. '9 is a plan view of the driving mechanism. Fig. l() is an end view thereof. Fig. 11 is a front face view of the electrically operated device under the control of the pressure in the tank whereby the operation of the driving mechanism is controlled. Fig.- 12 is a rear fa view of the device shown in Fig. I1. Fig. 13 is a view of the elements shown in Fig. 1l viewed from the same point but With the front face and indicating device removed therefrom, and Fig. 14 is a side view of the same device.

In the embodimcnt of the invention illustrated in the drawings the tank or container l is provided with ardome shaped head 2 having an interiorly threaded boss 3 adapted to4 receive a threaded extension 4 of a casing cylindrical chamber 6 having a threadedy exi tension which is closed by a screw plug 8. The screw plug 8 is readily removable so as to permit access tothe interior of the chamber 6 for introducing the chemical utilized in the generation of the gas. -Below the chamber 6 is arranged a second chamber 9,

the chambers 8 and 9 being separated by a partition wall 10 which is provided with a longitudinal slot 11. Supportedbelow the of convenience in screwing the same uponA the threadedv extension, ispprovided with a -transverse rib-:15 whereby the same maybe engaged with? a wrench or other suitable tightening u The feed Vroll case comprises a cylindrical Shell16 which is vprovided in its upper face with a longitudinal slot 17 adapted to regis- Y `ter with the slot 511, in the partition wall 10.l Y The slot 17 constituting a receiving opening is embraced byjoutwardly inclined walls T8 formed by the deflection of a portion of the case 16. The case 16 is further provided with a second slot 19 constituting a dis charge opening and is embraced by outwardly deflectedl portions of the case 16 cnstituting walls. 20. Within the feed roll case i s rotatabl mounted a roller or feeding drum 21 rigidl'y secured upon a shaft 22, said shaft .being journaled at'each side of the roller or,A drum, 21 in caps 23 which have threaded engagement over each end of the case 16. It` vil/ill. be noted by reference to received and discharged from the case 16 without obstructing the free rotation of the Fig. 3 thatfthe w'all's of the caps 2,3 extend obliquely inwardly thus deflecting any of the vchemical deposited thereon toward the ends of the roller or drum 21. The case 16 is prevented from rotating within the chamber 9 by'means of lugs 24 projecting from the wall of the case 16 which seat in channels 25 formed in the inner wall of the chamber 9.

'In the periphery of the-roller or feeding drum 21 is formed a series of channels .por recesses 26 extending from end to end of the roller or drum obliquely to the axis thereof. Thus it willibe apparent that as the chemical passes from the chamber 6 through the slots 11 and 17 it will deposit successively in the channels or grooves 26 as'the roller or drum -is rotated, and will be discharged through the openings 19 and 13 into the compartment 12 from whence it will pass by gravityA through the extension 4. and into the tank, the quantity of the chemicalso fed being pre.- determined by the speed -of rotation of the roller or drum 21. It is contemplated that the chemical shall be supplied to the chamber 6 in granulated form and that it will be comminuted sufficiently so that it will be roller oit-drum 21. I provide, however,

means for preventing the clogging of the chemical between the roller and the inner wall of the case by providing the case 16 with a hinged portion 27, which is normally retained closed by a spring 28. Withthis construction should a body of the chemical pass which is too large to be receivedY between the walls of the case 16 and the bottom of one of the channels or grooves 26, the hinged portion 27 of the cas'e will be pressed outwardly against the action vof the spring and the-obstructing'body of the chemical will pass into` the chamber 9 after which the hinged portion will move again into normal position by action of thev spring.

The shaft 22 extends outwardly-at one 'end through anopening in the cap "14 and through a stuffing gland 29. The shaft 22 is driven by a drive shaft 30 to which the shaftA 22 is connected by a universal joint 31, per# mitting the shaft 30 to drive the shaft 22 from an angle if the requirements of the mounting necessitates such a disposal of the shaft 30 with respect to the shaft 22.

r1`he drive shaft 30 is actuated by a motor of special design which is adapted to drive said shaft 30 at predetermined speeds and without vibration. The details of construction of the motor are clearly shown in Figs.

T to 10, inclusive, of the drawings. The motor is preferably mounted upon a bracket 32 supported by the tank or container and comprises side plates 33 and 34 `and a partition plate 35, the plates 33 and 3ft-being held in adjustment by stay rods 36 disposed trans versely adjacent to each corner ofsaid plates. Within and supported by the plates aregthe several operating parts of the motor. The main driving shaft of the motor 37 is disposed transversely of the plates 33 and 34 in which it'is 'ournaled and is located substantially in t e center of the 'motor mountedA a gear wheel38which is adapted to 'rotate in 'a vertical plane between the plate 33 and the partition plate 35. Master gear wheels `39 mounted upon revoluble shafts 40 are vadapted to 'mesh with the gear Wheeli38 anddriv'e the same when the shafts 40"a'rerotated .by the action ofl coil 116 left springs 41, which have one end respectively secured to the adjacent lower tight-rod 36 andthe other endrespfectively securedto the shafts 40. The spriigs 41 beingmounted between the plate the 'partition plate 35 are thus separated from the train of gearing included in the motor.

4.- and` The gears 39 are loose' on the shafts 10 and are adapted to be coperatively locked Y therewith by a p awl and ratchet construction 42, so as to provide means for placing the springs under tension by the. manual rotation of the shafts 40`by any suitable crank cminection without operating lne train ot gears in a manner that will be well understood. The speed ot' rotation ot' the gear 3T is retarded and controlled by a governor shatt ulll upon which is mounted a governor device ronsisting of a collar il rigid on the shaft and a floating collar i5, the two colla being;r connected by weighted flexible arms; 4G. The collar fifi carries a dish 47T wnieh ia adapted to coliierate with an adjustable abutment member 4S mounted in the side plate 3l. The shaft 'ffl is entrained with the, gear 38 through a train ot' Waring:y comprising the pinion 49 and the gear and pirn ion element?r 50. 51, 52 and 53. lt will be apparent that this train o1 mechanism pron videsA means for determining the speed of rotation of the gear 38 by which the shaft 3T is driven. and that by adjustment of the abutment element 4S the speed of the train ot gearingmay be predetermined. The gear and pinil'vn elements 30, 5l. 5:2 and 513 are each 'mounted on short shafts snpiiorted by the plateeand Zi. thm# providing a com. paci; and nfarvilnating train olZ gearing re saltirii in uniform and steady drive ol the hatt il?.

The shaft lli extends: through the plate Zl-l and carries thereon a disk Trl constituting a bralte wheel which is adapted to cooperate with a brake shoe 55 formed integral with a lever 5G, which is pivoted to the side plate .3T tor controlling the sli-att. lil. lt will be apparent that when the lever 5b is rocked on its4 pixel. and the brake shoe 35 isbronght into contact with the periphery ol the brake wheel ,3l the I@hatt 43 will be locked against rotation. The mcchanisim for operating the lever Si?. therefore. constitute the automatic devicw 't1-fr maitrollingir the operation ot the motor by which the feeding' mechaifism is driven. l provide two mechanism-S for this purpose both of which are primarily operA ated tri in the presmire in thi` tanli for el'- t'cctinir thc automatic control oi' the drivingy mechanism. one of the mcclianims. constituting a aai'ety (lcvice or Supplemental corr trol when both are used and either oi' which mav be utilized independently it' desired.

l .shall proceed to describe the mechanism. separately and then explain their use when iointly need tor controllingi the operation ol' the lever Une oi the device# tor automatically' con-- troiline' the o ieration ol' the lever 5b inetudes a case .38 which is supported t0 the motor `rarne by a bracket 52'). A diaphragm o() it; supported within the e 58 dividing the caw into two parts. ther 'lower ot which consiflcs a pressure chamber which is in commancation with the tant; by means of pipinga fil. said piping heimgcontrolled by a valve b2. lirom the top oil the case 58 a Elow hasta 623 projects in which is inonntetl i. vertically movahle stein 6l to the inner end oi which is attached a beveled head normally resting upon the diaphragm 60. The stem o4 carries a pin (3G which projects through the bores (33 and between which and an adjustable nut (3T threaded over the eX- tcrior of the. boss, an expansion spring 68 is interposed. The action of the spring 68 normally tends to depress the stein 64. The stem Gt projects beyond the boss 63 and is provided with a head piece (if) arranged adjacent to the under tace of the outwardly eX tending arm of the lever t. The lever 56 carries adjacent. to its outer end an adjustable screw 70 whereby the relative operative relation between the .stem ol and the arm of the lever may be determined. The diaphragm 6() iq designed to withstand certain predetermined pressures in the pipe (3l and will he elevated predetermined distances accoi-dingr to the degree ot' pressure upon the lower tace of the diaphragm. `When the pressure in the diaphragm cane has reached the prcdetcimincd limit suilicient to move the extending; arm ot the lever 56 upward to a position to carry the brake shoe into contact with the brake wheel 5l, the driving mechanism will be stopped in the manner heretofore explained.

The le\ er Siti is independently operated from its inner end by an electrical device comprising an electroniagnet Tl which actuates a spring armature bar T2, which has an integral arm T3 teri'ninatine adjacent to the upper tace of the inner arm of the lever 56. The operative correlation of the arm 73 and the lever 5t? may be adjusted by means ot' a thumb screw 7l. lVhen the electro-magnet 7l is energized the armature bar 72 will be drawn downwardly. the arm T3 coperates to depress theinner end ot' the lever, thereby bringing the brake shoe into contact with the brake wheel 54.

The mechanism tor controlling the electromagnet 71 is primarily actuated by the. pressure in the tank by means of the device illustrated in Figs. 1l to lat, inclusive, 0f the drawing. This device comprises a 75 in the front of which mounted a dial 7G adapted to cooperate with an indicating device 77 for indicating visually the pres- `sure in the tank. Within the case 75 is a flexible hollow arm T8. one end of which is sealed and the other end of which is Connected into the piping.: (il by means of a union connection 79, The sealed end of the flexible hollow arm 78 is operatively connected to a swinging segment 8O by means ol" a link Sl formed of insiilatinrr material. The segment S1 is supported in a frame 82V ot' conducting material said frame being secured within the case' 75. One end 0f the circuit in which the electro-magnet 71 is located is electrically connected to the frame 81 and to the segment 80, by a lead 83 eX- tending to a binding post 81 which constitutes also a binding post for the end of the circuit. A pivotcd lever is mounted in the case below the segment and carries a contact plate l, which is provided with a contact point 87 extending adjacent to a contact plate 88 carried by the segment 80. The contact plate S6 is electrically connected to the other end of the circuit in which the electro-magnet 71 is located b v means of a lead S9 connected thereto, which lead extends to a binding post 90 to which the end of the circuit is connected. The lever 85 extends outwardly through the case 75 and is provided with an indicator 91 which is adapted to cooperate with a scale 92 for adjusting the lever. so as to vary the relative distance between the point S7 and the plate SS when the parts are in normal adjustment'. It will be apparent that the extent of movement of the segment 8() will be directly coordinated with the amount of pressure admitted to the interior of the hollow arm 78. As the pressure within the hollow arm 78 increases, the sealed end thereof tends to move outwardly and thereby, through the link connection 8l. moves the segment S0 toward the contact plate 8o. The outer end of the segment 8() is provided with a ack 9.3 which cooperates with a pinion 9i fastening upon the shaft 95, which carries the indicating device 77` Thus, as the segment moves through an arc as the pressure increases the indicating device will be correspondingly moved upon the dial 76. The shaft 95, and, therefore, the indicating device 77 will be returned to normal position when the pressure is relieved by means of a coiled hair spring 96. From the above explanation of the controlling device it will be understood that when the segment is Inoved through a tact with the contact point 87. the circuit will be closed and the electro-magnet 71 energized. drawing the armature bar 72 downwardl y and thereby through the connections above described actuatingr the level' 56 for setting the brake comprising the brake shoe 55 arid the brake wheel 54.

The circuit forcontro-lling the electromagnet may be energized from any suitable source, either from dry cellsi or from a ermanent source of supply. When energized from a permanentv source of supply it is contemplated that the device just described may be used without the diaphragm device hereinbeforc described, but it is' contemplated that its chief use shall be that of a lsupplemental or auxiliary controlling device in the nature of a safety appliance.

`Thus, for instance. if the diaphragm device is adjusted to apply the brakeat a prede termmcd pressure. 15 pounds, the elecyof the invention.

tric'ally controlled device may be set so as to operate upon a slightly excess pressure, so that in the event the diapl'iragm device should not co-act, for any reason, when the predetermined maximum pressure has been reached as determined by the electrical dcvice, the brake mechanism will be operated. It is highly important where dangerous and explosive -giises,"'sueh as acetylene gas, 1s being dealt with, that abundant precaution should be taken to prevent the pressure exceeding a safe maximum. It `is for *his reason that I contemplate the use of a double control for the power mechanism.

I have additionally provided a manual lock for the power mechanism which con` sists in a lever 97 having a cam 98, whereby the lever 56 may be moved to frictionally lock the brake shoe 55 in engagement witl the brake wheel 54. I prefer to provide a guide plate 99 secured to the frame of the motor for retaining the forward arm of the lever 5U in proper alinement.

From the foregoing description the operation of my improved mechanism willV be readily understood. It will also be understood that numerous details may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope I do not desire to limit myself to exact details, therefore, but

Vhat I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: a

1. Abgas generator comprising a'tank, a hopper having a cyiindrical portion located exteriorly of said tank, a shell having a pivoted wall adapt-ed to be removably mounted in said cylindrical portion of said hopper, a feeding drum mounted in said shell and adapt-ed to advance the contents of the hop .per in measured quantities to said tank, and power mechanism for driving said feeding v j drum. sulilclent arc to bring the plate 88 1n con-l 2. A gas generator comprising a tank, a

hopper located eXteriorly of said tank and having a compartment for containing a chemical to be delivered to said tank and a cylindrical portion for receiving a feeding drum shell, a sheil removably mounted fin said cylindrical portion. a feed roller removably mounted in said shell and adapted to advance thel chemical from the compartment containing the same to the tank in measured quantities, and power mechanism for driving said feed roller.

3. A gas generator. comprising a gas tana a hopper located exteriorly of said tank, in cluding a chemical supply chamber, a case integral with said supply chamber having a chute compartment in communication with said tank. a removable shell adapted to be interposed in said case. a feed roller provided with oblique channels rotatably mounted in said shell, registering passage ways between said chemical supply chamizo ber, said shell and said chute compartment, a drive shaft for said roller, and mechanism fir driving. said roller.

4. In a gas generator, the combination with a ltank, of mechanism for feeding a chemical thereto, comprising a hopper located exteriorly of said tank provided with a slot through the bottom wall thereof, a feed roller shell adapted to be removably mounted below said hopper being provided with a slot in registration with the slot in the bottom wall of said hopper, caps having inwardly disposed walls for said shell and being provided with journaled bearings, a shaft journaled in said bearings, a feed roller provided with obliquely disposed channels in the periphery thereof supported on said shaft, outlet passages from said shell, a chute device arranged below said outlet passages and means for driving said feed roller shaft, substantially as specified.

5. ln a gas generator, a hopper, a tank located below said hopper, a feed mecha-- nism adapted to advance measured quantities of material from said hopper to said tank, a power device for driving said feed roller, a brake for locking said power de vice, a pressure passage leading from said tank, a diaphragm in said passage, a stem actuated by said diaphragm, an adjustable connection between the brake mechanism and said stem, and independent means for locking said brake mechanism.

6. In a gas generator, the combination with a gas tank, mechanism adapted to feed a chemical to said. tank and power mechanism for driving said feeding mechanism, of a pressure operated device for locking said power mechanism against operation, and a supplemental electrically-controlled mechanism under the influence of the pressure in said tank for operating the device for locking said power mechanism.

7. In a gas generator, the combination of a gas tank, mechanism adapted to feed a chemical to said tank and power mechanism for driving said feed mechanism, of a brake device for said power mechanism, a diaphragm motor under the influence of the pressure in said tank for operating said brake device, and a supplemental electrically controlled actuating mechanism for said brake also under the control of the pressure in said tank, substantially as specified.

8. In a gas generator the combination with a gas tank, mechanism for feeding a. chemical to said tank and power mechanism for driving said feeding mechanism, a brake device associated with said power mechanism and means for actuating said brake device comprising an electrically operated arm, a circuit for operating said arm and a circuit breaker in said circuit under the direct control of the pressure in said tank adapted to close said circuit when predetermined pressures have been attained in said tank.

9. i gas generator, comprising a gas tank, mechanism for feeding a chemical thereto and power mechanism, of a brake device associated with said power mechanism, electrical means fo actuating said brake device comprising an electro-magnet, an arn'iature bar operatively connected to said brake device, a circuit for energizing said electron'iagnet, a circuit breaker equipped with optienallyy adjustable means for predetermining t ic operation of said device for closing the circuit cordinately with varying degrees of pressure in said tank, substantially' as specified.

l0. A gas generator, comprising a tank.k a hopper located exteriorly of said tank, a feeding mechanism associated with the hopper and adapted to deliver measured quantities of chemical from said hopper to said tank, a shaft for operating said feeding mechanism, a power mechanism for driving said shaft. a brake device for said power mechanism, a pressure passage leading 'from said ta k. :i diaphragm in said pre-eure paasagrje, a nnivalile element actuated by said diaphragm and associatml with said brake dc\ icc adapted to set said brake device v n a predetermined pressure has been attained in said pressure passage. und an clem iically-y t controlled and optionally scttable mechanism associated with said brake device for setting the same when a prcdeterinincd pressure has been attained in said tank, substantially as specified.

ll. A gas generator, comprising a tank, a feedingr de\ ice comprising a hoiliper, a cylindrical portion located below the hopper and a chute device bclow said cylindrical portion, there being passage ways between said hi'ipper, c vlimlrical porti-'in and saidi chute, .said parts being formed intr' and located cxteriorlv of the tank. a l having a pivoted wall adapted to be mounted in said cylindrical portion, a cap for one cnil of said cylindrical portion, and a feed roller journaied at one end in said f-licll and having an extending shaft journaled in said removable cap, and power mwhanisin operatiwly connected with said sh l. in a gus generator. the voniliinatimi with a gas tank, fcci'ling mechanism for feeding a chemical to said tank and power mechanism for dri\ing said feeding mechanism, of a brake device for said power merlianism, a diaphragm operatively connected with said brake device, means fo` adiusting said diaphragm to withstand paessure of varying deV ees, a pressuriix passage 'from said tank .s lated with said diaphragm. an independent device for controlling brake including an armature, an electric current in circuit with said armature; a switch in said armature, a pressure passage from said tank associated with said switch` and an optionally adjustable device for coordinating the operation of said switch relative to, predetermined pressures in said tank, substantially as specified.

In witness whereof, I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses,

JOHN B. HUDDLE. vitnesses L. C. Ix'iNGsLANn, R. M. LAWRENCE. 

